Badgers hoping for more wins this season

The Beebe Badgers had a bounce-back season a year ago, winning 15 games after winning only three the previous year. “We lost a lot of close games early in the season last year, and we look to counter that this year and head into conference play with much more confidence,” eighth-year coach Ryan Marshall said. Beebe finished 8-4 in the combined league with Class 5A and 6A schools. “We finished 8-4 in league play last year, and we want to compete for the conference championship,” Marshall said. “We think our experience we had last year competing for the conference championship will help us down the stretch — having the experience and a better understanding of what it takes to get it done.” Some of the close nonconference losses included 52-47 to Greene County Tech, 49-47 to Southside Batesville, 49-47 to Alma in overtime and Pulaski County Home School 63-61 in overtime. Beebe returns two starters from last year’s squad. They are senior point guard Dandre Butler, who averaged 8 points, 2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game; and junior forward E.J. Smith, who averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds as a sophomore. Marshall said his best inside players are Smith and senior Zeke Reddig because of their experience. “But we’re looking at junior Bryce Howard and senior Trey Williams to add strength to the post play,” the coach said. Butler is the team’s best outside player. “Dandre has the most experience of anyone on the team,” Marshall said. “He has improved his overall game, and we look forward to him having a strong year.” Marshall said senior Steele Harris and junior Lance Grey will see time on the perimeter. Marshall said experience at point guard is his team’s strength, as is overall experience. “We have a lot of guys who played substantial minutes last year that will play a bigger role this year. … Hopefully, this experience will be a strength,” he said. “We have 21 on the roster, so our numbers are good, which keeps the competition

level high in practice. Our overall length and size are better this year and should help give some teams some trouble on the defensive end.” Marshall said there is a lack of depth and experience at the guard spot. “Hopefully, through practice and junior varsity games, we can develop more depth at that spot by January,” he said. Butler is one of the team’s college prospects. “He is a quick, athletic, strong point guard who can get to the basket and shoot the pull-up jumper,” Marshall said. “Physical, he is ready to play at the next level.” Marshall said the Badgers have a challenging schedule. “All our games in our league are usually good games, due to the balance of the league,” he said. “An early-season game with Greene County Tech is an old rivalry game from when we were in the 5A-East.” Beebe will open the season Nov. 14.